TRANSFORMABLE SHEET CONTAINER

Abstract

A container device employs a sheet transformable into a container. The sheet may include a drawstring laced within pockets along a perimeter of the sheet. Exposed portions of the drawstring may be pulled to draw edges of the sheet together transforming the sheet into the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61/506,310 filed Jul. 11, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to containers, and more particularly to a transformable sheet container.

Containers, for example, bags for collecting refuse or other items to be moved from one place to another, typically need one person to hold the bag open while the items are placed in the bag. While one may be able to individually hold open the bag with one hand while stuffing it with the other, items being collected may take longer to collect because of the use of the single hand. In some instances, refuse is being collected and it may be desirable to not touch the refuse with any hands.

As can be seen, there is a need for a container that can be positioned to collect material and envelope the material without one having to contact the material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a container device comprises a sheet; a pocket proximate a perimeter of the sheet, wherein portions of the perimeter are exposed between portions of the pocket; and a draw string laced through the pocket, wherein portions of the drawstring are liftable from the exposed portions of the perimeter to pull edges of the sheet together.

In another aspect, a container device comprises a rectangular, pliable sheet; four elongated, open-ended pockets on each edge of the sheet; and a drawstring laced through each of the pockets, wherein portions of the drawstring are exposed between adjacent pockets.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a waste disposal sheet container device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a side view of the waste disposal sheet container device shown in FIG. 1 with corners drawn up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a transformable container device. Embodiments of the container device may be conveniently laid flat over a surface where refuse may be collected onto the device in its flattened state and enveloped as edges of the flat device are drawn together.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a container device 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container device 100 may include a sheet 110 with a top surface 115 and a bottom surface 150. A pocket 120 may be positioned on the top surface 115, along the perimeter of the sheet 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the pocket 120 may comprise four pocket portions 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, hereafter referred collectively as the pocket portions or pockets 120. In embodiments using a rectangular sheet 110, the pocket portions 120 may be elongated and open-ended such that portions of the perimeter, for example, corners 140 of the sheet 110 are exposed or uncovered. A drawstring 130 may be laced within the pocket 120 all around the sheet perimeter. For example, the drawstring 130 may be a unitary, closed loop laced through each pocket portion 120 so that portions of the drawstring 130 are exposed between adjacent ends of pocket portions, for example, at the corners 140. The drawstring 130 may be of any natural or synthetic material known in the art to manufacture cords or rope.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sheet 110 may be pliable, for example, a plastic, biodegradable or other compostable material. The sheet 110 may be between 0.004-0.200 inches thick. The sheet 110 may be between 10-200 inches in width and 10-200 inches in length. In an exemplary operation, the container device 100 may be operated by laying the sheet 110 upon the ground with the top surface 115 facing up. Refuse 160 (FIG. 2), for example, tree leaves, may be placed onto the top surface 115. The container device 100 may be transformed into a closed position enveloping the refuse 160 by simultaneously pulling upward the portions of the drawstring 130 exposed at the corners 140. This upward pulling motion may shrink and lift the perimeter of the sheet 110 while the center area 170 may be held relatively in place by the weight of the items (for example, refuse 160) to be transported. The draw string 130 may be drawn until an opening formed by the perimeter of the sheet 110 comes together close enough and small enough to prevent the refuse 160 from escaping the container device 100.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. While embodiments above have been described as collecting refuse, it will be understood that other items may also be conveniently collected by placing them over the sheet in its flattened state and having the edges of the sheet drawn together.

Claims

1. A container device, comprising:

a sheet;

a pocket proximate a perimeter of the sheet, wherein portions of the perimeter are exposed between portions of the pocket; and

a draw string laced through the pocket, wherein portions of the drawstring are liftable from the exposed portions of the perimeter to pull edges of the sheet together.

2. The container device of claim 1, wherein the sheet is rectangular.

3. The container device of claim 2, wherein there are four disconnected portions of the pocket, each disconnected portion of the pocket is positioned on one of four edges of the sheet,

wherein there is a corner of the sheet between any two adjacent disconnected portions of the pocket, and

said portions of the drawstring are positioned over the corners.

4. The container device of claim 1, wherein the draw string is a unitary closed loop through the pocket.

5. The container device of claim 1, wherein the sheet is plastic.

6. A container device, comprising:

a rectangular, pliable sheet;

four elongated, open-ended pockets on each edge of the sheet; and

a drawstring laced through each of the pockets, wherein portions of the drawstring are exposed between adjacent pockets.